Effective Ways to Manage Stress during Lockdown
The recent outbreak of the coronavirus has turned our lives upside down. We have all been confined to our homes living in isolation to help ‘flatten the curve’. Every country has put down lockdown restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus. And, with lockdown, many other problems have emerged. The uncertainty about jobs, finances, health and relationships have added more to the stress levels all around.
With some coping mechanisms and techniques, you can easily curb this stress away in case you have been feeling down. Do not take this feeling of anxiety and sadness lightly. Immediately take steps to make yourself feel good so you don’t have to deal with its negative consequences later. Take a look at some of the suggestions as to how you can manage stress during the lockdown period.
- Breathe
- Controlling your breathing pattern sends your body a message to relax and not to panic. There are deep breathing techniques that help reduce stress and anxiety. Breathing at a slow pace slows down your heart rate and help you feel calmer.
- Try this technique. Breathe in slowly through your nose and hold your breath for 3-4 seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth counting to 6-7. Make a gentle blowing sound while exhaling. Focus solely on your exhale breathe as it calms the nerves.
- Stay in touch with loved ones
- Keep in touch with your friends or family. Try to talk about your feelings or just enjoy yourself with them.
- Whether you need a shoulder to cry on, getting things off your chest is healthy. So do not hesitate to talk about something that worries you.
- Do not be shy to ask for help in case you start having suicidal thoughts. Get help from your doctor or dial a local mental health hotline services.
- Just keep in mind that you are not alone. There is always someone to listen to.
- Get enough sleep
- Make a strict bedtime schedule and stick to it. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Keep a warm environment around you when sleeping so you don’t get distracted. Switch off all devices including your phone so your mind starts going into sleep mode.
- Studies have shown a deep relationship between sleep and stress. So take care of your sleep so you can get the strength to get rid of your stressors.
- Take some time for you
- It is okay to take a break from social media as it can get overwhelming with constant content.
- Limit your exposure to the news, so it doesn’t elevate your stress.
- Relax your mind with something you enjoy like listening to music or reading a book. A good hot bath or a session of therapeutic massage can help improve your mental health.
- Learn a new skill or adopt a hobby you might like such as cooking, painting, embroidery, or any other art activities.
Hopefully, these tips will help you take charge of your happiness. Throughout these challenging times, please stay connected and stay safe.
